In last month’sCommuniqué, I discussed the importance of developing a plan before building or remodeling your endodontic office. It is equally important to consider your current and future technology needs. To successfully integrate various technologies, endodontists must give attention to not only to the positioning of the hardware components and devices, but their interconnectivity as well. Offices need to be planned so that the network of wiring and cables can be distributed easily throughout the facility.

In a year when we are bombarded by news of candidates vying for the presidency of the United States, it seems appropriate to consider the meaning of leadership and what constitutes a great leader. It is a topic of great relevance and import to our Association since our future as a viable organization depends on our ability to identify and develop leaders today. Your Board of Directors has made leadership development a priority. I was interested to find that the subject has undergone extensive research both in the social and hard sciences. This is understandable since effective leadership is a global concern for businesses and organizations. After all, your leaders can take your group to stunning heights or bring you to a standstill!

Nearly every endodontist has a practice website. If this were 2006, that’s probably all you would need to do in the way of online marketing. But times change, and in today’s competitive economy, a website is now the bare minimum. In the past, many endodontists had a “set it and forget it” approach to their website. They worked hard to launch it, but basically ignored it once it went live. Endodontists of 2016 need to actively promote their practices online to build reputation and attract new patients. Here are five ways to improve your online presence.

To ensure our continued success, endodontics needs future leaders who can navigate challenges and engage members of the dental community. The AAE Board of Directors is proud to announce the inaugural Leadership Development Program, offering opportunities for U.S. members out of residency for no more than 10 years to enhance their leadership and communication skills, strengthen their professional networks and participate in strategic discussions with AAE Board members. Applications will be accepted through June 30 for this dynamic program, to be held March 3-4, 2017, in Chicago.

Just one week after opening, registration for APICES 2016 filled completely! Residents from across the United States and Canada will join together this July at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for the only continuing education meeting planned by endodontic residents, for residents.

AAE member Renato M. Silva, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., was selected to serve as chair of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, effective July 1. Dr. Silva will succeed AAE member Jeffrey Hoover, D.M.D., who has been serving as interim chair since 2015.

AAE Life member and Past President James C. McGraw, D.D.S., was recognized with the 2016 Honorary Lifetime Member Award from the University of Washington School of Dentistry Dean’s Club. Dr. McGraw accepted his award at the 32nd annual Dean’s Club Dinner on April 30, 2016.